Truth in labeling

One of the glorious and cherished things about the United States of America is its citizens' constitutional right to practice their chosen religion without interference.

One of the glorious and cherished things about the United States of America is its citizens' constitutional right to practice their chosen religion without interference.

Many of the early settlers on the new continent were fleeing from religious persecution in Europe. From those pre-colonial days, religious institutions surrounded public squares. The Founding Fathers wrote religious protections into the Bill of Rights. Religious freedom continues to play a strong role in many contemporary Americans' perceptions of the issues of the day.

Interesting, then, to observe how religious beliefs are affecting what used to be essentially secular institutions in the public marketplace. Recently the Divine Mercy Care Pharmacy in Virginia received a blessing, complete with the sprinkling of holy water, from an Arlington, Va., bishop. Pharmacy manager Robert Semler follows Catholic teachings on sexuality, and the pharmacy does not sell any contraceptive devices or birth control pills.

It's easy to understand why centuries ago the institution of the church would have forbidden birth control. The average lifespan was far shorter then, and infant, child and maternal mortality far higher. The survival of the race — i.e., the survival of the faithful — was at issue. Religious institutions could effectively argue that humankind needed to propagate, in order to populate the earth and live secure lives.

The survival of the human species is not in doubt today, unless of course mass warfare beyond anything in history or an unforeseeable plague on the land occurs. In fact, the world has grown so populous that populations in many regions face serious food shortages or the scarcity of water or other vital resources. Even in the relatively wealthy United States, the population has surged to 300 million; demographers predict U.S. population will reach 400 million within another 30 years.

Against this backdrop, it's hard to understand how anyone living in the 21st century would oppose other people's use of contraception, but that's their business and their right. If the religious faithful choose to interpret the Bible literally in the face of vastly different times and circumstances, and run their privately owned business accordingly, they're entitled, in this country, to do just that.

But for the sake of average customers who do practice birth control and wish to fill a prescription, those business owners who wish their goods and services to reflect a strict dogma should follow Divine Mercy Care Pharmacy's example of truth in labeling. If you're not a full-service pharmacy, say so. It will save many people a trip.